Optical Cross-Connect Layout for Multi-Wavelength Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical cross-connect apparatuses face limitations in optical signal switching due to the need for separate switching components for each wavelength, leading to restricted flexibility and increased port quantities.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus groups demultiplexing and multiplexing modules into multiplexing/demultiplexing groups, using inter-group and intra-group switching components to switch optical signals of multiple wavelengths, reducing the need for individual switching components per wavelength and minimizing port quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate switching components are disposed for optical signals of each wavelength, then wavelength-specific switching control is achieved, but the quantity of switching components increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single inter-group switching component that can handle multiple wavelengths through wavelength-selective switching. The switching component is configured to receive optical signals of different wavelengths from multiple demultiplexing modules and switch them to appropriate multiplexing modules, making one component perform the function that previously required multiple wavelength-specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple wavelength-specific switching functions into a single inter-group switching component. By combining the switching capabilities for different wavelengths into one unified component, the system reduces the total number of switching components while maintaining the ability to perform wavelength-specific routing.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate switching components are disposed for each wavelength, then precise wavelength control is achieved, but port quantities increase and fiber connections are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-group switching component is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously. It includes multiple input ports connected to demultiplexing modules and multiple output ports connected to multiplexing modules, with the capability to selectively switch different wavelengths through these ports without requiring separate components for each wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by organizing the switching architecture in groups (intra-group and inter-group switching). This grouping approach allows the system to manage multiple wavelengths and modules in a structured manner, reducing the total port requirements by sharing ports across multiple wavelengths through the grouped switching architecture.
3Productivity
If multiple demultiplexing modules are connected to multiple multiplexing modules, then switching capacity is increased, but the quantity of inter-group switching components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching functions for multiple demultiplexing modules and multiplexing modules into single inter-group switching components. Each inter-group switching component serves multiple modules by implementing wavelength-selective switching, thereby reducing the total number of switching components needed while maintaining high switching capacity across the network.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances flexibility in optical signal switching, reduces the number of switching components, and minimizes communication interruptions by allowing shared use of switching modules, thus optimizing port utilization and reducing fiber connections.
Implementation Method 1
demultiplexing modules in a first multiplexing/demultiplexing group and multiplexing modules in a second multiplexing/demultiplexing group are separately connected to a first inter-group switching component through optical fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical cross-connect apparatus and an optical cross-connect device are provided, and belong to the field of optical communication technologies. The optical cross-connect apparatus includes a plurality of demultiplexing modules (1), a plurality of multiplexing modules (2), and a plurality of N×N switching modules (01), and N is an integer greater than 1. Each demultiplexing module (1) is connected to P N×N switching modules (01) through optical fibers. Each multiplexing module (2) is connected to P N×N switching modules (01) through optical fibers. Demultiplexing modules (1) and multiplexing modules (2) are connected to same N×N switching modules (01). At least one N×N switching module (01) connected to a target demultiplexing module has a function of switching optical signals of a plurality of wavelengths for the target demultiplexing module. A quantity of wavelengths of optical signals received by each N×N switching module (01) connected to the target demultiplexing module from the target demultiplexing module is less than a target value, and the target value is a quantity of wavelengths of optical signals received by the target demultiplexing module. In this way, a light beam that is input through an input port can be switched to any output port, and optical switching processing has small limitations.